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in Runners' Roundup, Running Tips, Winter · December 21, 2022

5 Ways for Runners to Handle Winter Weather

It’s that time of year when many areas are dealing with cold, snowy, and icy conditions that make for all sorts of challenges when it comes to running. When I first started running, I got into an “all or nothing” mindset once winter hit. Either I could run outside, or I didn’t bother running at all. Eventually I realized that there were other ways to continue training through the winter, and that cross-training had benefits as well. If you are looking for ways to continue training through the winter, check out these ways for runners to handle winter weather.

Just because winter has arrived doesn't mean runners need to stop training. Check out these tips to help adjust your training and continue running all through the winter!

5 Ways for Runners to Handle Winter Weather

Instead of giving up on your workout or training plan when the weather interferes with your running, try a few of these tips so you can stick with your plan. 

1. Brave the elements (safely)

If you have the right gear, you can probably run outside throughout most of the winter. Warm layers are the key to running in winter weather like frigid temps and strong winds. If it’s icy or snowy, you can try Yaktrax or putting screws in your shoes. I like this guide Rachel put together explaining how to do that!

snow run

2. Choose the treadmill (occasionally)

While many runners despise the treadmill, there are definitely some benefits to running on one. If you have access to a treadmill this is a good time of year to use it. If you need more convincing, here are 5 reasons to run on a treadmill this winter.

When winter weather is bad consider running on the treadmill

3. Try a different kind of workout

This is also a good time of year to focus on cross-training using indoor workouts: spinning, swimming, using the elliptical, classes at the gym, or home workout videos are all great options. Check out this post for some ideas: At Home Workouts for the Running Off-Season

4. Plan your workouts around the winter weather

Chances are, it’s not going to snow 7 days a week. (At least, let’s hope not!) If you check the forecast and see that it might snow one day, plan to run other days that week. Also keep in mind that often times the day after it snows is worse than the actual day it snows, if the snow starts to melt and then turns to ice overnight! 

snow

5. Enjoy some extra rest when winter weather is bad

Taking a few days off from running or working out does not need to derail your entire training plan. Even if you miss a few days, you can still easily get back on track. Just try not to make a consistent habit of skipping your runs every week due to winter weather!

You May Also Like:

How to Adjust to Running in the Cold
Cold Weather Gear for Winter Running
Home Gym Tour Plus Workouts you can do at Home
Thinking Out Loud #32: Winter Complaints

Do you train through the winter months?
Are you an “all or nothing” type of runner?
What is your favorite way to work out when the conditions outside are dangerous?

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Previous Post: « Runners’ Gift Ideas for the 2022 Holiday Season
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Wendy says

    December 22, 2017 at 6:59 am

    The treadmill is always my last resort, but it is good to know it’s there…

    Merry Christmas, Lisa!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 22, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      I hear ya! I think it will come in handy some days this winter.

  2. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    December 22, 2017 at 8:08 am

    I haven’t done any “winter” running yet but actually looking forward to doing a snowy run (safely of course)!

    Thanks for linking up!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 22, 2017 at 3:18 pm

      Running in the snow can be fun! Its the ice that can really be a problem.

  3. Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner says

    December 22, 2017 at 8:29 am

    I am definitely one to brave the elements and get out there unless it’s icy. No one wants to fall on their butt! It’s also a great time to try something new for sure. I love my spin classes and swimming in the winter time as well

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 22, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      I’ve fallen on ice a few times and now I don’t mess with it anymore!

  4. Erinn says

    December 22, 2017 at 9:17 am

    I love winter running! There’s just something so badass about crushing a run when it’s snowing…and everyone else thinks you’re crazy.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 22, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      Haha yes! As long as its safe, I will probably be running outside.

  5. Kimberly G says

    December 22, 2017 at 11:23 am

    Totally agree with you on using the treadmill! I think it gets a bad rap but I like having that option when the weather is really bad (ice, etc). On the flip side, If the roads/running path are pretty clear, I’m all about bundling up and braving the cold -= the first mile always sucks but then it gets better!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 22, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      Definitely! I think I will probably opt for the treadmill more this year once I get mine, because it will be new and exciting. But in general I prefer to get outside whenever possible!

  6. Megan @ Meg Go Run says

    December 22, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    Usually I will either just brave the elements or plan to lift. Treadmill is the LAST resort but if I’m stuck not running for a couple days due to slippy streets, I will suck it up and TM because I need the BURN running gives!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 22, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      I remember having to go like a week without running 2 years ago after a blizzard, and I ended up doing a free trial at a gym because I missed running so much!

  7. Kimberly Hatting says

    December 22, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    As you know, I’m a ‘mill-hater. With my long legs, I know my form is compromised because my strides always feel “shortened” when I run on a treadmill. Some of that is probably just in my head, but none the less, it’s my reality. This year, though, things are different with my knee…even though it’s pretty much 100% recovered, I’m super paranoid about falling on it and endangering the suture seam. UGH. So far, I haven’t had to fire up the mill…stay tuned….if we get ice, I may be keeping the runs inside.

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 22, 2017 at 3:21 pm

      That’s a legitimate concern. Better to be safe than to risk hurting yourself again!

  8. Rachel says

    December 22, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    On the one hand, I’m so bummed I’m injured. On the other, I’ve really enjoyed having a glass of wine and watching ample tv with my hubs. When I’m in training I never drink and I’m always in bed early!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 23, 2017 at 5:53 am

      That is the one of the benefits of not running/training! I remember after the initial frustration of not being able to run I tried to embrace the extra time to relax.

  9. meredith @ cookie chrunicles says

    December 24, 2017 at 6:00 am

    I definitely make use of the treadmill but I pray the winter isn’t too bad so I’m not trapped inside for weeks on end! eventually the treadmill starts to eat away at me lol. but I am always grateful for the option!

    • Lisa @ Mile By Mile says

      December 24, 2017 at 6:27 am

      Yea I could see how day after day it would get to be too much! I remember when I had a community gym I ran on the treadmill all winter and I was desperate to get outside once Marched rolled around!

  10. Darlene S Cardillo says

    December 21, 2022 at 8:44 am

    No treadmill for me but I schedule it and do it… safely of course and often it is a challenge esp with a long run.

  11. Jenn says

    December 24, 2022 at 11:26 am

    It was like 30F when I went out this morning. We just aren’t prepared. There aren’t enough layers. I’ve given up being cute.

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Ignorance is bliss, sometimes. (Until you’re dyi Ignorance is bliss, sometimes. (Until you’re dying 5 minutes into your run wondering when it will finally cool off again). But really, this time of year I feel like there’s no point in checking the weather. It’s either hot or really hot. #summerrunning
Another cloudy day at the beach. At least it isn’t raining and windy today. I felt the 95% humidity on this fartlek run (maybe last night’s wine and bad sleep too) so it was a tough one. But workouts are for building fitness, not proving fitness, right?! How do you move on past a hard workout?

#run #runner #runnersofinstagram #runchat #vacation
Just a few random thoughts (and videos) from Satur Just a few random thoughts (and videos) from Saturday’s race…even though this wasn’t a goal race there are always lessons learned!

First off, my daughter woke up  around 1 am the night before the race. She almost always sleeps through the night now, but out of the 2 races I did this spring she woke up before both of them. It’s like she knows I am going to leave somehow. At least this time she went back to sleep pretty quickly and so did I!

Parking was easy, but it was a long walk to and from my car! (In past years I had parked closer but there was a ton of traffic coming and going)

The start line was so crowded that I couldn’t line up in the appropriate pace area. Many runners had the same challenge so the first few miles were chaotic with some people around me walking and others trying to run faster and weaving. I was just trying not to crash into anyone.

I didn’t bring my own water and wish I did! I needed it due to the weather and the water stops really slowed me down.

My watch never lined up with the mile markers. For some miles it was far ahead and others it was far behind. But overall my watch read 10.09 so it wasn’t too far off overall. 

Hard iced tea is a nice post race option. They also had hard lemonade and Heineken. (A few sips was good enough for me though)

Spring races < Fall races!

What’s the best post run beverage you’ve gotten after a race?

#run #runner #runchat #runbaltimore #baltimore10miler
I’ve had pretty bad luck with race day condition I’ve had pretty bad luck with race day conditions lately and this was no exception. Mid 70s, 92% humidity, wet roads but not enough rain to cool us off. Started pouring right when I finished. Just tried to run this for fun after a month of on and off sickness and not being prepared for those conditions. I forget how much Baltimore races really bring the positive energy (and the potholes!) 

#run #runner #runchat #runbaltimore #baltimore10miler
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